Printing Resources
Learn about printing, proofing, and finishing operations, the ins-and-outs of paper, and find conversion charts useful to the graphic arts and printing industries.
Printing 101
Scoring & Folding
Paper — especially thick paper — doesn’t always fold neatly, particularly when folding against the paper’s grain. So scoring, or pre-creasing, a printed piece is recommended for precise folding or for paper thicker than .005 inches.
Scoring involves a metal rule or wheel (depending on the process) is pressed into the paper, creating a “dent” that allows for a neat, accurate fold. “String” scoring, a more gentle form, is used for coated stock — especially across large ink solids — to prevent cracking.
Scoring is usually performed on specialized equipment, but can be done at the same time as offset printing. This usually costs more because it damages blankets and uses less pressure, resulting in greater potential for cracking.
Folding
Paper can be folded into nearly an infinite number of configurations. Most printers can do basic folding and specialized “trade binderies” can perform exceptionally complex folding work.
When a large sheet is folded many times, (i.e. forming pages in a signature) the first fold’s accuracy determines every subsequent folds’ accuracy. Each panel’s width also increases by approximately 1/16-inch from inside to outside (called “creep”).
The folder may wrinkle or have trouble feeding paper less than 50 lbs., while paper heavier than 80 lbs. — and especially coated stock — will likely need to be scored before folding.
Designer Tips
Carefully consider scoring and folding issues early in the design process. Copy must be positioned so it can be read correctly after folding, and be sure that a score and/or fold won’t inadvertently interfere with important graphics or text.
For best results when planning to use medium- to heavy-stock, try to specify that most folds run with the grain of the paper.
When you are preparing graphic files, specify the scoring and folding location with a key line, which can be designated with a black line outside the trim marks, labeled “score (and fold) here.”